Social Security's 3.5% COLA Bump in 2027 Would Be Largest in 4 Years -- But Soaring Medical Costs Could Wipe Out Every Penny

The Social Security Administration will announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) Oct. 14 for about 70 million beneficiaries, and one projection points to a 3.5% increase—up from 2.8% in 2026. On a $2,000 monthly check, that would mean roughly $70 more per month before Medicare deductions. The catch is that the 2027 Medicare Part B premium hasn’t been set yet, and AARP expects it to rise. Last year’s Part B premium jumped from $185.00 to $202.90, consuming about 26% of a similar $70 raise if the pattern repeats. CPI medical inflation looks low, but retirees can face faster out-of-pocket resets.